Adjustable stand for a riding toy



Feb. 17, 1970 A.-vv. POLK, JR 354955794 ADJUSTABLE STAND FOR A RIDING TOY Filed April 20, 1967 INVENTOR. ANDREW IV'POLK UR ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,495,794 ADJUSTABLE STAND FOR A RIDING TOY Andrew Wood Polk, Jr., Memphis, Tenn., assignor to Wonder Products Company, Collier-ville, Tenn., a corporation of Tennessee Filed Apr. 20, 1967, Ser. No. 632,428 Int. Cl. F16m 11/00 US. Cl. 248-157 4 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An adjustable riding toy stand formed by a pair of side frames of U-shape to provide uprights joined by a cross-bar and a pair of end frames of U-shape to provide stanchions joined by a base length. The uprights and stanchions have matching holes therethrough at spaced intervals corresponding to various riding heights. In assembly, fasteners pass through the holes to fix the stanchions of each end frame on an upright of each side frame to form an open rectangular support stand. The fasteners are interchangeable between different combinations of the holes for adjustment to a desired riding height. The cross-bar of each side frame presents a convenient mounting stirrup at a constant step below the toy for all riding heights.

Background of the invention This invention relates generally to a sturdy stand for a resiliently supported riding toy, and more particularly, to a stand adjustable to various riding heights.

It has always been an objective to provide a riding toy for the enjoyment of children which is safe to mount, and which yet furnishes an action-packed ride. Naturally, the younger, toddler-age or height-fearing child would need a lower supported toy than would be desired by the older or larger fear-allayed child. In fact, as an individual child grows, his riding height requirement for a particular toy changes. In the past, the support stands for riding toys, such as the spring supported hobby horse disclosed in Patent No. 2,437,015 issued to William Baltz on Mar 2, 1958, have not been adjustable to various riding heights.

Further requirements are that the support stand be secure, safe, and simple in assembly, since the riding toys are often shipped in a knock-down condition to the consumer. 'Prior to the present invention, it was believed that all of these requirements could not be provided for in a stand adjustable for various riding heights without adding to complexity and expense. That is, that such could not be provided with strength and simplicity and yet economy in manufacture.

Furthermore, it is desirable to provide for safe and dependable mounting of the riding toy, regardless of the riding height.

Summary of the invention Therefore, to overcome the foregoing and other difliculties of the prior art, the general object of this invention is to provide a new and improved stand which is adjustable, yet sturdy and simple in assembly. To this end, the present invention teaches the assembly of a rectangular stand from a pair of erect and spaced U- shaped side frames joined at the front and back to U- shaped end frames. The respective pairs of frames are identical and interchangeable for simplified assembly. All the frames are formed of hollow tubular lengths. Portions of the end frames are flattened by collapsing the tubular lengths to form an arcuate cross-section of double thickness which closely fits around the tubular lengths of the side frames. A series of spaced and matching holes through the end and side frames are provided for fixing them together by appropriate fasteners. The holes are spaced at 3,495,794 Patented Feb. 17, 1970 ice intervals corresponding to increments of height and the fasteners can be interchanged therebetween for adjustment of the stand to a desired riding height. The U-shape of the side frames provides a convenient mounting stirrup at all riding heights. The U-shaped end frames have an L- profile side, with a foot thereof reaching outward from the side frames, at the front and back, to provide a widely spaced and stable support therefor.

Thus, it is seen that one of the objects of this invention is to provide a sturdy stand for a riding toy mounted thereon.

It is an object of this invention to provide a stand that is adjustable to various riding heights.

Another object of this invention is to provide an adjustable stand which is safe and sturdy, yet simple in assembly.

Still another object is to provide a sturdy and adjustable stand for a riding toy which may be economically formed out of lengths of hollow tubular stock.

It is an object of this invention to provide a stand of a few interchangeable parts for economy in manufacture and simplicity in assembly.

Yet another object is to provide a riding toy stand which has a wide stable base and which provides a convenient mounting stirrup at all riding heights.

Also, an object of this invention is 'to provide an adjustable riding toy stand which is economical to produce by utilizing a minimum of conventional currently available materials that lend themselves to standard mass-production manufacturing techniques.

Further and other objects, and a more complete understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the following description and claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Description of the drawings For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawing a form which is presently preferred, it being understood, however, that this invention is not necessarily limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities there shown.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the adjustable stand of the invention, showing a riding toy (in phantom) resiliently mounted thereon;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the adjustable stand adjusted to an upper riding height;

FIG. 3 is a partial side view of the stand adjusted to a lower riding height.

Description of the preferred embodiment Referring now to the drawing in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like elements, there is shown in FIG. 1 an illustration of the adjustable stand of the present invention designated generally at 10. The riding toy, such as the hobby horse 12 (shown in phantom) is resiliently supported on the stand '10 by means of springs 16 or the like. The resilient suspension illustrated affords excellent action in substantially all directions and is more particularly described in the aforesaid Patent No. 2,437,015.

The adjustable stand 10 is assembled of four major members. Side frames 20, 22 are identical and of U-shape, providing front uprights 21, and back uprights 23, joined by the cross-bars 24, of each, respective-1y. Preferably, the side frames 20, 22 are formed from lengths of hollow tubular stock of a sturdy and durable metal. For example, a heavy gauge aluminum or a steel tubing has been found to be satisfactory. It is to be noted that the uprights 21 and 23, incline slightly inward toward a central axis through the stand 10. A series of spaced holes 26 are provided through each of the uprights, as indicated. Note that a central plane through each of the side frames would include the axes of holes 26, which, with 3 reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, incline inward toward the center of the stand 10. A hole at the top of each of the uprights 21-23, accommodates a hitching ring 28 for connection to the spring 16 and toy 12, as indicated.

End frames 30, 32 are also formed of hollow tubular metal stock into a U-shape providing stanchions 31, separated by base lengths 33, respectively. The stanchions 31 are formed by collapsing hollow tubular portions to form an arcuate cross-section of double thickness which closely fits around the tubular lengths of the respective uprights 21, 23 as may be clearly visualized with reference to the drawings. As most clearly indicated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the end frames 30, 32 have a side profile of L- shape. The base lengths .33 are also of U-shape and form the foot of the L-shape illustrated in the side profile. A pair of holes, spaced to match the holes 26 of uprights 21-23, are provided through each stanchion.

Fasteners 50, such as carriage bolts, are used in assembly of the stand The fasteners 50 pass through the holes 26 in the uprights 21-23, and the matching holes provided in the stanchions 31. The end frame 30 is fixed to the front uprights 21, and end frame 32 is likewise fixed to back uprights 23. In this manner the end frames 30, 32 hold the side frames 20, 22 apart and erect to form the open rectangular stand 10 shown. A floorengaging pad 55 is provided on both sides of each base length 33. Preferably, the pad 55 is a short length of rubber extrusion having a cross-section with an open arcuate interior which fits closely around the tubular lengths 33.

It is to be appreciated that the riding toy is often shipped in a knock-down condition, for assembly by the consumer. The side frames 20, 22 are identical, as are the end frames 30, 32. The interchangeability, thus provides economy of manufacture and simplicity of assembly. Assembly is easily and quickly accomplished by fasteners 50 through the holes 26 and matching holes of stanchions 31. A desired high riding height may be chosen by matching the stanchion holes with the lowermost holes 26 through the uprights, as shown at FIG. 2. On the other hand, an adjustment for a lower riding height may be provided by matching the stanchion holes with the uppermost holes 26 through the uprights, as illustrated in FIG. 3. Intermediate adjustments are, of course, available. Furthermore, it is understood that one side frame may be at a different height than the other side frame. Or, if desired, one end of the stand 10, say at end frame 30, could be assembled to be higher or lower than the other end. In this manner various adjustments may be made to vary the riding characteristics, as desired. The crossbars 24 provide mounting stirrups at a constant predetermined safe mounting distance below the riding toy 12. This feature enables even the smaller child to safely mount, with confidence, at all riding heights. The L-shaped profile of the end frames 30, 32 extend outwardly, as shown, at the front and back of the side frames. This provides a wide and stable support therefor. It is also noted that the stanchions 31 are lower extensions of the uprights 21-23 and also incline outwardly to likewise provide for a wider and more Stable base. The

4;. rubber pads 55 provide protection for a surface, such as a floor, and also prevent the riding toy from walking.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit of potential attributes thereof, and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification, as indicating the scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. An adjustable stand structure for a riding toy which is resiliently supported from fixed positions thereon, comprising: a pair of side frames of like structure and size, each of U-shape providing uprights joined at their lower ends by an integral bar; and base means having stanchions inte rally joined by a base bar and releasably secured to the uprights for holding said uprights apart and erect at adjustable increments of height to support said toy and said uprights at various heights, as desired, said base means including portions extending outwardly from the uprights and in opposite directions at opposite ends of the stand to provide stability at all said increments of height, and said bar of each of said side frames presenting a mounting stirrup a constant step distance below said toy at all said riding heights.

2. An adjustable stand in accordance with claim 1, wherein said base means includes a pair of end frames, each of U-shape in which the stanchions are releasably secured to the uprights by at least two fasteners spaced apart on each of said stanchions for afiixing said stanchions on said uprights as lower extensions thereof to thereby form said stand, and wherein said stanchions are bent to provide said portions extending outwardly at the lower regions thereof.

3. An adjustable stand in accordance With claim 2, wherein said uprights and stanchions have matching holes therethrough spaced at intervals corresponding to said increments of height, said fasteners passing through said holes releasably to affix said stanchions and uprights together so as to be interchangeable therebetween for adjustment thereof to a desired riding height.

4. An adjustable stand in accordance with claim 2, wherein said uprights incline upwardly toward a transverse central plane through said stand, and said stanchions, as lower extensions thereof, incline outwardly at the lower ends of said side frames to provide larger spacing of the base means for stability as the height of the toy is increased.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,756,051 7/1956 Shone 272-53.l 2,937,691 5/1960 Horgan 27252 2,978,245 4/1961 Rernpel 27252 3,224,723 12/1965 Moore 272-52 X ANTON O. OECHSLE, Primary Examiner ARNOLD W. KRAMER, Assistant Examiner US. Cl. X.R, 24837(); 272-52 

